September 01, 2010

The year I discovered blog world was 2007. Not much unlike Columbus' day, I had loads of trouble navigating it. Just as I began to sail smoothly through the hazards and pitfalls of this over the top fun world. The real world called me back for help. I'd always been involved with my son Daniel's schooling not only helping with homework and classroom helper duties but also is an active member of PTA. In 2008, I was elected as PTA president at my son's high school. I'd been telling myself and everyone else that I wasn't ready for the responsibility. Little did I know that once I arrived at the election meeting I would hear my name called to be voted on as president. I could have said no way however at that moment I realized it was my turn to say yes. What followed were two very busy years and a third as a phantom president whilst my husband served. No one was waiting to take my place, my dear husband agreed to the post with a promise from me that I would be his presidential helper. With June of 2009 PTA duties over and Daniel preparing for college, my dear mom begun a steady decline in her health. My mom lived alone and I had been giving her a helping hand for years. However this past year was a very sad one. My sweet mom passed away on April 18, 2010. All the details of our journey together in her last year of life would take too many words to describe. I'm beginning to come out of the darkness of mourning my mom's death. I'm rediscovering blog world. I love to read your blogs and hope that you will visit also...hugs

January 26, 2010

Once open a time long, long ago I entered into a deal. Now it wasn't with any scary storybook character however it was with the person who is the closest and dearest to me, my husband! We live a long distance from his work and for the sake of our son he agreed to raise him in the town we live presently. I promised on the day of high school graduation, it would be time to sell. Destiny has a way of taking control of situations at times as it did this time. Yes, our son did graduate and yes, our almost always home is for sale. Yet while vacationing in our favorite summer spot with family, I found the house of my dreams with the help of two wonderful daughters. So many times before my BIG over sized Spanish modern with 13 rooms had been called a dream home and yes it is so beautiful! However for me it has always felt like a dress that didn't quite fit me. At this time we travel to Miss Mary's Cottage once a month and as time nears for our next visit I can hardly wait to go back. No one has made any offers on what I like to call the big brown dress of ours however I know by spring when all is in bloom someone who loves to garden will be inspired to watch my garden for me.Jennie do you agree with me? The Big Brown! Miss Mary's Cottage back garden view

January 16, 2010

Where you ever asked, "What is your decorating style?" I'm in love with the relaxed mood of cottage style decorating however I can't decide on the one color only approach or the let it all hang out approach. I have these chairs at the moment in the one color approach yet these bold striped covers caught my eye today.They are very comfy chairs and you get a lot of bang for the buck. The above photo is the dining area in Miss Mary's cottage. The neutrals are nice but the mood I'm going for here is more storybook style. I wonder what the Three Bears and Goldilocks would pick. Something to think about?

January 11, 2010

Never in a million years did I ever guess that there is an entire industry which supports the dream of dollhouse ownership. It is reassuring to learn that I'm not alone in the desire to indulge my inner child. I was able to get this dollhouse kit from a toy store for $28 on-line. It is manufactured by Greenleaf. Many others are more expensive. My thinking went something like this. Well I've always dreamed of owning my own dollhouse so why not see what's available by way of the internet. I love the way the colors work on this finished dollhouse. It will take me many weeks to get something that looks like this beauty! I have so much to learn. First step is to read the directions. I've done that however I'm back searching the internet for tips on painting and gluing.

January 10, 2010

When I was 10, I had a major case of the green eyed monster when my cousin received a dollhouse for Christmas. I remember this moment in my life as if it happened yesterday. She showed me her gift and did not invite me to play along with her as I watched all the action. I started wondering about a year ago if it would be weird for me to buy a dollhouse as a decorative accent to our home. The magic of google did the rest. I ordered a dollhouse kit and now it's up to me. Jennie hope you don't mind shorter walks this week.

January 09, 2010

This is a photo of the kitchen nook in Miss Mary's cottage. I really like this table for this spot. It was advertised as a space safer in the Pottery Barn catalog. It has sides that fold down. Next I need to pick a fabric for the seat cushions. Flowers, stripes, solid, and the color all have me confused at the moment. As you can see the walls are a pale yellow and the floors pine with yellow overtones. This kitchen photo was taken from the nook area. Lots of cottage color going on in the rest of this space. Kathleen thinks blue would do the trick. I'm wondering what Miss Jennie Love would say. The dinning chairs are an off white and the same goes for the couch in the living room.

Oops forgot about those pink and green floral slip covered overstuffed side chairs.

Once again Miss Jennie Love, you are watching over this mess of color. I'll keep you all posted as for now I plan on looking through some old Country Home magazines for some cottage home inspiration!

January 08, 2010

As days go, today was a heart breaker. My visits to grandma are now often difficult. She is now 92 and so much needs to be done and often I don't know how to handle it all or even where to begin. In days now past, my visits were filled with visits to the pharmacy, post office, grocery store, clothing store and lunch. Those days are gone now. My mom has given up on life and tells me she is ready to go. I'm thinking go to heaven? She spends her days in bed and is no longer interested in food or activities. Jennie Love life is short and I am grateful that I have the opportunity to show my mom compassion and love in her old age. I just wish I knew where to get some help sometimes. I will be making lots of phone calls on Monday. My cold this week really slowed me down and it is time to get going. I've heard of senior helpers and meals on wheels. My mom lives alone and likes her independence but I now realize that she no longer can do it alone even with my help. Many families have had to deal with these aging issues but the first time is always difficult. This is the first time for me. My girls are coming on the 28th to visit with grandma. God bless them! I'm looking forward to their visit and I'm hoping that it will inspire my mom to go on living.